NYC Divorce & Separation Attorney

Divorce Attorney in New York City

Divorce is a legal process with financial consequences that can last for decades. How property is divided, whether spousal support is awarded, and on what terms — these outcomes are shaped by the legal strategy and negotiation that occur during the divorce process. Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves complex assets, business interests, or contested custody, having experienced legal counsel ensures that your rights are protected and that the outcome reflects a fair resolution.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we represent individuals in both contested and uncontested divorces throughout New York City and New Jersey. We work to achieve outcomes that protect your financial interests through negotiation and settlement where possible, and through vigorous advocacy in court when necessary.

Divorce in New York

Grounds for Divorce

New York allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The most common ground is "irretrievable breakdown of the relationship" for a period of at least six months (no-fault). Fault-based grounds include cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, and adultery. We advise on which grounds are appropriate for your situation and how the choice may affect other aspects of the case.

Equitable Distribution

New York divides marital property under the equitable distribution framework — meaning property is divided fairly based on a range of factors, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and future earning capacity, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and child-rearing), the age and health of each spouse, tax consequences, and the need to maintain a home for children. Separate property — assets owned before the marriage, inherited assets, and gifts — is generally not subject to division, but commingling or transmutation can blur these lines.

Spousal Support (Maintenance)

New York calculates temporary and post-divorce maintenance using statutory formulas based on the parties' incomes, with judicial discretion to deviate based on factors including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each party's earning capacity, and contributions to the other party's career. If a prenuptial agreement addresses maintenance, its terms will generally control unless they are unconscionable.

High-Asset & Complex Divorce

Divorces involving significant assets require particular attention to valuation and classification. We handle divorces involving business interests requiring valuation and characterization as marital or separate property, real estate portfolios including co-ops, condos, and commercial property, retirement accounts, pensions, and stock options requiring QDROs, investment portfolios and complex financial instruments, and professional practice valuations for physicians, attorneys, and other professionals.

Uncontested Divorce

When both parties agree on all major terms — property division, maintenance, custody, and support — an uncontested divorce provides a faster, less expensive path to resolution. We draft and review settlement agreements, prepare all required court filings, and guide you through the process to finalization. Even in uncontested matters, having your own attorney review the terms protects you from inadvertently agreeing to unfavorable provisions.

Legal Separation

A legal separation provides a court-ordered framework for living apart while remaining legally married. Separation agreements address property division, support, and custody without terminating the marriage. This option may be appropriate for couples who are not yet certain about divorce, have religious or personal reasons for not divorcing, or want to maintain certain benefits (such as health insurance) while establishing separate financial lives.

Serving New York and New Jersey

Agarunov Law Firm is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. Family law differs significantly between states — New York is an equitable distribution state with specific grounds for divorce, while New Jersey follows its own equitable distribution framework with different alimony and custody standards. Our dual-state licensing allows us to represent clients in either jurisdiction and advise on the implications when spouses reside in different states or own property across state lines.